Cubs trade idea swaps two young outfielders in 'overpay' to land 3.77 ERA Royals All-Star

May 9, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha (52) pitches during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs are in dire need of pitching talent this season. They've dealt with so many injury issues all season long, and it's clear this club needs more help in the rotation and the bullpen.

With the MLB trade deadline coming up, the Cubs have the chance to upgrade those two areas of need. The rotation might be the more pressing need, and there are some intriguing names worth considering.

The Athletic's Jim Bowden proposed a trade idea for the Cubs that would send two young outfielders to land the Kansas City Royals starter Michael Wacha. While Bowden called this trade idea an "overpay," he also noted that it would be worth it to the Cubs.

Cubs trade idea for Michael Wacha would be 'overpay' but worth it

"Cubs receive: Michael Wacha: RHP. Royals receive: Matt Shaw, INF/OF; Kevin Alcantara, OF," Bowden proposed. "... I think this deal is an overpay by the Cubs, but it should be worth it to land a veteran starter like Wacha, especially given there are so few starting pitchers on the market right now."

This trade idea from Bowden would have the Cubs giving up Kevin Alcantara and Matt Shaw, both 24-year-old top prospects who've already made their big league debuts. While Shaw has looked good, Alcantara has struggled a bit.

But, giving up both in one deal would be a lot to part with for the Cubs, especially since it's not to acquire an ace like Tarik Skubal or Joe Ryan.

However, Wacha is nothing to scoff at. The veteran right-hander has a 3.77 ERA this season, 2.1 bWAR, and a 108 ERA+ in 119.1 innings pitched.

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While he might be 35 years old and not the high-caliber ace that would be an instant game-changer for the Cubs, he's got one thing that makes him a very appealing trade target: club control.

Wacha is signed through the 2027 season on a three-year $51 million contract. That would give the Cubs an extra year of club control after 2026.

But it gets even better, as the Cubs would also have a 2028 club option on Wacha's deal. If he's pitching great, then Chicago could keep Wacha through the 2028 season.

Sure, giving up Shaw and Alcantara might be a lot to part with to land Wacha. Even Bowden, the one who proposed this trade idea, called it an overpay.

But landing someone as good as Wacha, who is under club control through the 2028 season and is an All-Star this season, would be worth it considering there might not be many sellers this season with the wide-open American League.

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